Martino of Florence

Martino of Florence (died 1082) was the Duke of Florence from 1080 until his death. He rebelled against the Holy Roman Empire and the Duchy of Milan, so Henry IV of Germany campaigned from Bologna and eventually captured Florence. The duke of Florence was captured as he fled and sent to the gallows.

Biography
Martino was born into a wealthy Italian aristocratic family from the city of Florence, a center of art and learning. Martino's father Alessandro was a vassal of the Holy Roman Empire who was a tributary to the Duchy of Milan, and his city flourished for years. The city of Fiorenza (Florence), situated on the Arno River, was a beautiful city that was seen as the jewel of central Italy.

In 1080, Martino rebelled against his German and northern Italian masters, raising 2,750 levies to defend his city. Martino ensured that the food and provisions were wheeled inside of the city, which was isolated from the outside.

Having heard that his vassal rebelled against his German overlordship, Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV of Germany built up an army of 5,300 Imperial troops from his Italian base of Bologna. His army included mercenaries hired from the central Italian States, mainly mercenary spearmen and pavise crossbowmen, equipped with the fierce Italian weapon.

Martino's army was made up of peasant infantry and archers, all Florentines who were drafted into service for the defense of their homes. Martino made sure that his presitigous city was well-defended from the German siege force, which attacked the walls in 1080 AD.

Martino took charge of a unit of peasant archers and headed to the walls to defend against the Holy Roman Empire's army. In 1082, after two years of encirclement, he was assaulted by the Germans and their siege weapons. Henry IV of Germany led the assault in person, and Martino's men were overrun by knights. He was captured while retreating.

Martino of Florence was punished for his uprising. He was sent to the gallows for treason, and executed.